"Is it." Could Jackson feel the depths of his skepticism in the baleful stare Draco directed at him? This was worse than a failing grade on an exam, not that Jackson had ever come close to something like that, not that he ever would, the way he pushed himself. In everything. Draco was certainly familiar with that feeling, and he spared a moment to wonder what the motivation was for Jackson, compared to what it had been for him.

"Why do you waste my time by lying to me when I already know it's a lie? It's happened more than once, and it's the side effect of a curse, of course I care about that. And I am going to continue asking about it. Save us both the time and be honest with me."